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01/31/00 And for the final day of the month we bring you the Mission Raceway Park SchedtwoK HERE...race notes, prices, etc too. Please note I am not trying to steal MRP's or anyone else's thunder, but I know many of you are forced to book holidays at this time of year and realize that even a few days can make a difference (especially if you don't have seniority). I had it, so I posted it. I have no idea how perfectly accurate it (or my retyping of it) is, so be aware. Much more coming this week, but this took up my web time for today. LP
Golly, I feel like a television critic today. Last evening's program on A&E will go down as an absolute classic. If you missed it, you really did miss a very entertaining hour of TV. A huge article in yesterday's Vancouver Province compared the two stars of the show to Paul Lemat and Harrison Ford in American Graffiti. Perfect. More than simply an excellent, revealing look at street racing, the two main protagonists were perfect examples of not only the two movie characters, but many of the people I once hung with many years ago in the White Spot parking lot in Victoria.
Rarely seen without a cigarette hanging out the side of either one's mouth, you had the 'King' and the 'Looser' and I mean LOOSER. Rob did more in one hour to make Mazdas (and his gang of wrench-heads) look bad than anything else in the history of automobiles. To say both of these guys were 'characters' is an understatement. To say they were achievers a sad commentary on what being a car nut (a real car nut) can do to you. Mike, the 23 year old 'King' in his nitrous/turbo Civic looks like a professional wrestler, has over 60 grand into a gutted Honda, and still lives at home with his mother. (a scene not shown). "Bye mom, just goin' down to the drive-in to see the guys. "But Michael...it's 2am, and your car doesn't have a heater...bundle up dear". Interestingly we never learn where Mike gets his 'spending money' from.
Then there is Bob T. who owns not one, but three tricked up Mazdas; an all-wheel-drive turbo 323, an RX7 Turbo2, and a turbo Miata. He owns some kind of auto shop in Toronto, and baby if you listened to him you would swear his shit don't stink....but his cars certainly do. We first see the 323 on a hoist and one quick look at each corner reveals deep tread, not very trick, small tires. An instant giveaway that this thing is maybe not a contenda. He's after a guy he doesn't know, Mike P. in 'the quickest street import in the country'. At a legit 12.1 it probably is too.
In a scene that had me in absolute hysterics we see Mike's Mazda (with nitrous bottle brackets in the trunk) having it out with a NHRA tech man at Cayuga Dragstrip. Surely the best 'racer vs tech guy' scene ever filmed I won't give it away, but when the 50 or 60 something tech dude says "Do I look like I just fell off the back of a turnip truck" I damn near peed my pants. Every NHRA tech guy on Earth should watch this to see how many of them look much of the time. It will also cause drag strip operators everywhere to better understand why street racers rarely go to drag strips.
We also get to see meet many of the cops, some of whom come across as not bad guys, but typical in most cases.
All-in-all a very well done feature that was said to have taken two years to film. All the characters are here, the racers, the goofy crew guys, the babes, the people who just hang with this crowd, the good cops, the bad cops, the producers didn't miss a stroke. Though they didn't dwell on the crash aspect, it was covered in devastating style, but I do fear that once more people see this it will bring more of them than ever into the scene. In a clear manner it makes street racing look very cool. I find this difficult to fight as I was once into this (though not nearly to this extent), and when Mike says "It's like death and taxes" and "I like things that scare me" it's simply a drug many people find impossible to stay away from.
I recall in Victoria when cruisin' was dying during the mid 70s, then came American Graffiti and for about two years it went nuts. Unfortunately it brought in a few too many idiots, people just out to party, not really into cars. I can see this show having a similar affect.
For more on the Toronto Scene Go HERE
And for more on the Northwest Scene Go HERE
I have no idea if or when this program will be repeated. LP
The 'track' comments continue to come in:
Larry, Okay, I guess Don Thomas and I can agree to disagree. The cool thing about your site is that both sides of any issue can be presented, like you said, and it's a good place to air a few frustrations. I think a big problem with drag racing sometimes is that guys and gals who race don't understand exactly what it takes to run a racetrack, and most certainly the people running the tracks don't always know exactly what it takes to race a car. It's nice to have a place where both sides are presented, and hopefully behind-the-back bitching by all parties can be a thing of the past. And hey, I guess Don Thomas will never be accused of not being a serious racer, just like I hope the folks at Woodburn will never be accused of not being serious about operating a first-class facility. I think it can be safely said that the racing season can't start soon enough! Later, Jonathan Adams
Woodburn points meet 1999--my car lost .05 60ft. This was on Saturday 1st round. Must be something wrong with my car. -Bill Heard
Hi Larry. To Don's remarks about Woodburn. The last time I raced, a competitor needs to be ready for all conditions good or bad. Jeff Jackson 1999 Super Street champion.
And some other stuff too:
Hi Larry, Happy New Year. I have something to add to all the changes happening
locally this race season. My partner Dave Webb and I have joined Dave Wilson's
Say no to drugs team and will be racing the funnycar. I will be driving. Our
nostalgia altered will be parked except for perhaps the Oldtimes drags. See
you.
Boyd Wylie
Larry: Sorry I haven't wished you a fantastic 2000. Had another little girl
on Jan 10 and have been busy doing some of those late night feeds. Took some
photos of Jim Grant at the Street Machine Summernats. The event attracted 113,000
people and some 1700 entries. Attatched is the story
of Jim that was featured in Dragster Australia. Please feel free to use
it I'm off this weekend for the ADBA World Harley-Davidson Champs. Pity we won't
be seeing Ron because of immagration problems. When I get back I'll try a piece
something for you on both the Harley's and on Jim Grant.
Regards John Baremans, Dragster Australia
Thanks John, we all look forward to anything you can send us! LP
As for you street racing aficionados in the Vancouver region, you had better be in front of a television tomorrow (Thursday) evening at either 7:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. as A&E presents Inside Story "Street Racing: The Need For Speed" (Boy, that's original). The hour long program was filmed on the streets of Greater Toronto and is said to provide perspectives from three people: a championship racer (Be interesting to see how he's treated at the track this year), and 'up-and-coming dragger' (I guess a new term stemming from the recent CBC handle 'fisher' that has pissed off some many eastern fishermen) and the police (Gosh, I wonder what their take on this will be?). It will be interesting to see how the 'mainstream' media approaches this one. Bet we'll see footage of every street race crash ever filmed...over and over and...
And they say this is the slow part of the season...
To begin today's update we include this latest addition to the Don&Jon show:
Touchy Touchy: The only mention of a track being "junk" was said by Mr.Adams,
does he know something we don't? I would again say that the normal track preparation
at the 1999 Woodburn FMDRS was sacrificed in order to speed up the program.
I am not saying that was a good or bad decision. I was personally at the starting
line when the crew decided in the need to quicken the pace some prep would not
be done. Whether or not this led to any losses I can't say for sure, draw your
own conclusions. I simply wanted to point out that the bragging about the most
in the shortest did not include quite all of the details. I lost at that race
because I got to the finish line last!
Don Thomas
Now I know many of you just love this kind of jousting, as past experience here has shown, but I want to go on record to thank both of these guys for responding in a more-or-less decent fashion. This is the kind of thing that could have gotten really stupid by keeping it behind closed doors and letting the 'rumor' part of it expand to probably outrageous levels. This is what the web is all about - communication. I'm sure Don will watch things at this track even closer in the future and I'm sure this track will watch not only what Don does, but themselves as well. Regardless you can bet everyone else will watch both of them, hopefully making things better for everyone involved. LP
Got a call today from Bill Kraus of the Eagle Motorplex. We hope to have their schedule in the next 48 hours along with a number of major new track sponsorship announcements. Things have progressed along quite well with Bill taking time to mention that working with Mission and North Central was a very nice experience. That's good to hear.
Now if all this hasn't got you buzzing, try these two links and feel free to send in your comments:
Marketing-rights flap stirs debate in garage NASCAR pushes for more control in fine print
"Members of the media who cover NASCAR regularly fill out a request form each year for a ''hard card'' press pass for the season. This year's form contained a new paragraph that gave the rights to NASCAR for all photos, images, quotes or stories generated by each race and required permission from NASCAR for any stories to be written about each race."
You'll kiss my what for how much???? If any of these media groups have any sizeable gonads they will all boycot the Daytona 500, then see what the sponsors say to France when nothing shows up in USA Today the following Monday. Wonder if the television people will have to sign the same thing?
More HERE:
NASCAR Tries To Put Clamps On Media
Battle erupts over NASCAR credentials
Sullivan Out as NASCAR's Front Man
Communications Manager Gone After Credentials Controversy
Proof that big business will go to any length to 'control' everything they deem necessary. Over Kill? Big Brother? Control Fetish? Yes. Yes. And YES! LP
Did you really think it would be anything different Larry? Mainstream....Sleepstream,
as long as the boys in Glendora continue to have no creativity or imagination
nothing will ever change. They are stuck in a rut and can't seem to get out.
A rut is just a shallow open grave and theirs is getting deeper. I had hope
when I got the Digger's "Decade In Review" supplement. I thought that was great
press and had lots of interesting "AND VARIED" articles in it. But I guess they
blew their wad on that one.
Your new pictures are great. Brings back many memories of the very VARIED class
of Pro Comp. One of the best classes NHRA ever had. Top Comp has the potential
to be something similar. The 64 Funny Car events at SIR were also great......dangerous
but great! Why can't we do that now? That would fill the stands for sure. But
I doubt there are 64 cars around. Bring back the double bees!!!!!
Don't give up Larry. Sooner or later the interim management will do their damage
and disappear. Then the real New Thinkers can pick up the pieces and make this
thing what it should be......a little bit of the old mixed in with the new.
Bill Evans
"Even the lawnmower races on Speedvision have more redeeming qualities than the crap the new Marketing Guru's can come up with to promote." from a high-profile HH regular none of you know about.
Now, since we're still in a kind of radical mode, here comes the response to that Woodburn comment of a few days ago:
Larry, Obviously I would wholeheartedly disagree with Mr. Thomas. First a correction:
there were no time trials at all on Sunday at the Woodburn FMDRS. We started
at 8:15 with round one of Jr. Dragster, and by the time 12 noon rolled around,
every class (except for FMD & FMFC) had completed at least one round of eliminations,
with the Super classes completing two (one was done Sat. night).
Moving on then...I wonder what would make Mr. Thomas question the track conditions?
I would assume that he or a close friend spun the tires and lost on Sunday.
A shame, yes, but is that enough to say the track was junk? I think not. Rick
Santos ran under the existing track record 3 times on Sunday. Don Little won
Stock in probably the quickest and fastest Stock elim. car on the grounds. Apparently
the track wasn't too bad for those guys. I will concede that perhaps the track
was slightly 'greasy', but that's what happens when the temp. nears 90 degrees
in the middle of July. But I refuse to concede that track upkeep was sacrificed
in any way. Woodburn Dragstrip owns every piece of equipment that NHRA uses
at national events and Jay Livingston and the crew work their asses off to make
the track as good as it can be for every event, especially our premiere event,
the Federal-Mogul Series race. A handful of cases of tire spin is an exception
NOT a trend.
Sincerely, Jonathan Adams
Geez, you guys keep this up and I'll never get that video done....it's just too much fun around here. LP
Ok Tom COMPTON...HoKAY
ENUF of this Speedvision John Force CRAP..........ENUF of this absolute GARBAGE television. If this is what it takes to promote the sport to the mases then I prefer..uh ANYTHING else. Give me Warren Miller...give me skateboards....Hell GIVE ME ANYTHING...but give the SPEEDSHOP crap...and I mean TOTAL CRAPOLA a rest......MY GAWD does it take bimbos and bimbets with large upper bodies to SELL this sport...if so I quit...I just give up.
01/23/00
Larry, The Bellingham pre-season meeting is at the Quarterback Pub & Eatery,
Saturday, January 29, at 7pm. Come early for dinner. The Quarterback Pub & Eatery
is located in the Sehome Village Shopping Center. From I-5 exit 252. The Shopping
Center is on the West side of the freeway. The Quarterback Pub is in the Southwest
corner of the shopping center.
Thanks. Brad Owens Bellingham
I have no idea what you do when it all catches up and you gotta get away. THIS is what I do.LP
Hi Larry, Your video came out great. Your music selection was right on and
tied in perfectly with our announcement of the track's new slogan for 2000 -
"Firebird Rocks!" We routed the big screen t.v. set through the four
big speakers of the D.J. and it thundered the room. Thanks again for putting
the piece together. It received quite an ovation at the conclusion of the evening.
Scott New, Firebird
Raceway, Boise USA
That Firebird hilight tape was just too much fun to put together. All I can say is I have no idea how I'm gonna fit all you guys have to offer in 2000 on another 'one'. Can you say 'the Firebird Rocks 2000 , a two hour video extravaganza' ???? Who knows....LP
Hi Larry, The Grand National Racing Association (GNRA) and Eagle Motorplex
are co-hosting the first annual Club Drags weekend at Ashcroft on April 22
and 23. This will be a "fun" event and entries will be limited to not more
than 150 cars. We (the GNRA) are organizing this first-ever event, and all car
clubs are invited to participate. Pre-entry is a must, and the cost for car/driver
will be $50 for the weekend bash. Additional people will be charged $5 entry
fee.
For more information, contact Paul Russell at 604-882-8720
or e-mail me.
Thanks, Gunther Gottgetreu Treasurer/Editor
GNRA.
I remember Gunther as one of the guys in the first pair ever down MRP on that opening day back long ago. The Grand National Club is well know for their great organization and events. Just 150 cars eh? Better get YOUR entry in QUICK!
And speaking of Ashcroft, the GIANT Fund Raising Bash at Cruisers in Langley on Feb. 19 will feature...get ready, THE SECOND HORSEPOWER HEAVEN PRACTICE TREE NATIONALS! We did this a couple of years ago and it went over HUGE. Plans are in the works for this 'event' with prizes that will knock you thumbs off. Stay tuned here for much more in the days leading up to the first local major drag racing happening of the year 2000. For more info give Cruisers a call at 604-533-7223....and don't forget to tell 'em where you heard about it! Thanks: LP
Word has it there's a number of photo copies of a Mission Schedule with the words 'NOT FOR PUBLICATION' emblazoned across the top making the rounds out there. Have I seen it? No way...Me? Na. With some kind of meeting, somewhere in Bellingham next Saturday, you'd think they would want to get the word out...I've had the finalized Woodburn version for weeks now, though have had no time to transpose it to html. Spoke with Bob Wilson the other day and he is going to put together his extensive schedule page soon. Don't look for one on HH, as it's waaaaaay too much work for little or no return. Rest assured however that the Vancouver Motorsport Show March 3/4/5 will be THE place to get all the local dates. Stop by the HH/Rich Carlson Photography booth, as between what he gathers up previous to the show and what we find at the show, you'll have a freebie group of schedules unlike you'll get anywhere else.
The fallout from the Australian immigration issue had the HH phone ringing like crazy last night. Let all HH visitors know that this site has NEVER had a problem with ANY member of a motorcycle club be it a business or personal one, so we simply cannot support this decision in any way, shape or form. For more on this and everything else that is motorcycle drag racing in our region check out the all new CMDRA site HERE. New features include a forum (which could get very interesting now), and a sponsor promotion page among many other great text and photo pages. LP
Hi Larry,
Just heard that Ron Houniet and one other Canadian rider were denied entry into
Australia. ( because of Club Colours) Oz Immigration feel they will be a threat
to the safety of their people. All the details are HERE.
There is an e-mail adress and phone number where everyone can put in a protest.
Thanks Dean Murdoch, Speedzone Magazine
A very harsh turn of events. This seems to be the way bureaucrats treat anything that may cause problems; wait till the last possible minute so the people they screw have as little time as possible to mount a protest. Do they teach this in business school or what? LP
A call came in to HH today from Mike Cyr (Remember the Skippers Funny Car?) regarding the official publication of the 2000 Seattle Roadster Show. They are producing a very high quality program for this first ever show (definitely going to be a collectors item) and are coming up to the ad deadline. Full page color is only $600, so give 'em a call at (toll free) 1-877-236-0632 and ask for Bob Kehoe or email at hotrodshow@aol.com if you want in. It is not certain if HH will be at the show yet, but we're working on it.
Long time driver for Bill Visser's Old Timer Cuda, Terry McHardy, will be replaced for the year 2000 by Glen Freeman. Glen, of blown Ferrari fame, will come on board with something Visser has been without for years- money and spare parts. Terry will hang around to assist in the transition. He'll then busy himself with his Lion Heart Roadster, Racers against Drugs, and maybe, piloting something else.
Subject: New Car Build Pix
Larry, As many of your readers know, we are building a brand new '57 Chevy funny
car here in Edmonton. If you will recall, I sent a picture of the body as it
was being delivered to us on Oct.31. (see last
month's nav page) I now have a few more build pix. After almost 200 hours
of treein', glassin', fabricatin' and cuttin', we got the body mounted to the
new chassis, and shipped her off to the paint shop. I would like to announce
that one of the top paint shops in Canada has stepped forward and sponsored
us for the paint and body work on the car. Joey's Place, here in Edmonton, has
spent almost 100 hours getting her straight and smooth. Check out their sight
@ http://www.joeysplace.com. Here is
a build pix prior to paint. I will send the finished product in a few weeks.
Thanks again!
Jay Mageau,
Mageau
Family Racing 1957 chev blown alcohol funny car
1923 T blown alcohol altered
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Subject: re: Jonathon Adams
I Would point out that if you were to ask anyone who attended Woodburn FMDRS
1999 version. There is no doubt they had the biggest car count and no doubt
they finished on schedule. What he fails to point out is that the starting line
prep was sacrificed in order to accomplish this feat. Perhaps less time trials
on Sunday morning and an earlier start time for eliminations would help to deal
with the car count. Better racing for fans and racers alike.
-Don Thomas
Your turn Jon LP
Subject: Changes in Comp
Larry, Did you check out the changes to Comp Elim. that was published in the
National Dragster? Seems that NHRA isn't ready to give up on comp quite yet.
So that you know what I am talking about then, here are the changes:
*All indexes get a tenth back on their index.
*No CIC in qualifying
*Pro ladder (1 Vs 32, 2 Vs 31...)
The rumor has been floating around since the Winston finals but some rumors
come true and some don't. I know you are a big supporter of Comp, SS, Stock
and the rest of the sportsman classes. That is why I enjoy your site.
Are you going to be in Pomona or Las Vegas?
- Nick Jondahl
I have not yet recieved Digger so can't comment too much, and since I'm not a competitor will leave the discussion to those who know it better than I. regardless, anything that supports Comp gets my support and dat's da bottom line...As for me going to Pomona or Vegas...I wish. I'm the guy some people in Glendora love to hate, the chances of me getting into either of those events is somehwere waaaaay below not.
Speaking of Glendora, I hear rumblings from Federal-Mogul, that they are drastically cutting back on their participation this year, in terms of reps and displays showing up at events. Just think, with their contract up at the end of the 2001 season, we may actually be able to call them Top Alcohol again...LP
I have a few track schedules and a bunch of street event dates, but am hoping somebody else posts all this stuff. If anyone knows of a LOCAL event site(s) let me know and it'll save me a bunch of work. LP
01/18/00
Larry In your 1/16/00 update I am confused by the term "gooks". Could you please
define your meaning of this term for me. With your "Firing Up" future outlook
into the sport of drag racing including statements "I could imagine a true world
championship every few years..." and " I see imports involved and lots of turbos
too.", I would hate to believe "gooks" would be used as a racial slur. With
so much of your outlook (and motor sports future in general) depending on involvement
of a more youthful market, I would not like to have anyone feel pushed away
from becoming a competitor or spectator (in person or from afar), due to a misperception
as small as this one could be.
KB
I was actually hoping somebody would pick up on this so it would allow me to
explain that this way: I wanted to express my absolute fury that someone...anyone
would practice breaking into another person's system. All I can say is that
although 'gook' is maybe not the most appropriate term, it is far more pleasant
than some of the words that were flowing through my mind at the time. I apologize
if it offends you, or anyone else. Be aware that I have also used the term 'redneck'
in a similar way many times in this site's history.
Larry Pfister
If you missed the Langley Goodtimes Cruise-In last weekend on My Classic Car, fear not...it was bumped to this coming weekend. I believe it will be on 1:30pm and 2:30am (Vancouver, BC...if it was same as last week) on TNN this Saturday, Jan. 22. There is also a new website for the event at http://www.langleycruise-in.com/index.htm
Mark down Saturday February 19th on your 'must do' list. First you can go to the MRP racer's meeting in Cloverdale, then at 6pm head over to Cruisers Pit Stop Diner in Langley for the First Annual Don Stephenson Memorial Ashcroft Fund Raiser. Yes the ole Plex still has some bills to pay and new stuff to get happenin', so what better way to not only have some fun, but invest in your B.C. racing future. Who cares if we loose the overpaid pro sports in town, we don't want to loose the Plex.
Tickets are $25 per person and before you get funky realize ALL the proceeds will go to the track fund, along with $5 from each ticket going into the pot for a draw that very evening. There will be lots more happening that night (details to come) including a bench-race session from 6-7pm, the buffet from 7-8 and from 8:00 to oh 8:30 or 9, Bill Kraus will be on hand to explain what's happening at the Plex in the year 2000. And for anyone thinking that putting this on the same day as the MRP deal is possibly a conflict realize that this is the only day Bill will be down here, and it just wouldn't be the same without him.
Now here's a great email from Jonathan Adams of Woodburn Dragstrip:
Larry, I always enjoy reading the comments posted on your site as well as the Grapevine site, and I thought what the heck, I'll throw in my 2 cents. Plus, I think I might be the only member of Generation X (I'm 22) who has contributed to this "discussion."
First of all, there seems to be a lot of people disenchanted with electronics, especially throttle stops. The problem is, Super Comp (or any of the Super classes, for that matter) will never be a spectator-friendly class, no matter what you do to it. My view is this: there are a lot of classes in drag racing that are participant-oriented, and the Super classes fall into that category. You can't argue with the numbers: Super Comp, Gas and Street are the biggest classes out there, and I have a feeling that dumping electronics would result in a serious decline in car counts. The beauty of these classes is the relative ease with which a person can participate. Yeah, the average fan doesn't know what the heck is going on when the cars fall flat on their face, but you know what? When Super Comp is running, most of the average fans are in the pits getting an autograph or at the snack bar. Taking away throttle stops won't change that. Another point: drag races do not have to be marathon events, and you don't have to axe cars or make them more exclusive. As anyone who attended Woodburn's FMDRS event in 1999 knows, a competent track crew can get a race over in a reasonable amount of time. We had more cars than anyone else and we were done by 5:30 on Sunday, and the main spectator-oriented part of the show didn't start until 12. Now some events were affected by rain, and there's nothing that can be done about that.
Besides, when it's raining there are no fans to please anyway. But a lot of races drag on because track owners/managers try to get by with skeleton crews or just plain don't understand what it takes to pick up the pace.
My last point has to do with entry fee increases. As far as I'm concerned, if a track is improving its amenities year-by-year, then periodic fee increases are justified. But if a track keeps raising prices while track conditions deteriorate, then racers have a right to question higher prices. But I think Cory Mac's dad said it best: "If you want to make a million dollars in drag racing, start with 2 million."
Keep up the good work!
Later, Jonathan Adams
As I say, I look at things more through the eyes of a spectator, and can be said to sometimes forget the participants. Jonathan has some very good points however and I thank him for taking time to send this in.
Now this from Speedzone Magazine Publisher Dean Murdoch:
Hi there, Just changed over to Telus so have new e-mail address. Please record
this for future reference. speedzone@telus.net
Thanks, Dean
And some sad news...
Hi Larry, Some very sad news to report. Veteran online drag racing reporter
Ed Dykes has died in a tragic plane crash. I met Ed a number of years ago on
Compuserve when Ed was a reporter for Racing Information Systems. Ed's passion
and dedication to drag racing played a great hand in bringing online drag racing
coverage to where it is today. Along with Larry Sullivan, Mike Jex and a number
of others they started out on Compuserve then formed the Fast News Network which
is responsible for the drag racing results you see posted today. He will be
very much missed. See NHRA Online for more details.
Jamie Clerf
Although I did not know Ed, realize he was a true pioneer in his field. It truely is a tragic loss for the sport.
Subject: Transportation Study Results
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board recently divulged that they had covertly
funded a project with an auto maker for the past five years, whereby the auto
makers were installing black boxes in four-wheel drive pick-up trucks in an
effort to determine, in fatal accidents, the circumstances in the last 15 seconds
before the crash. They were surprised to find in almost all areas of Canada,the
last wordsof drivers in 61.2 percent of fatal crashes were, "Oh, Shit!" Only
the Maritime provinces were different, where 89.3 percent of the final words
were: "Hold my beer and watch this ".
Submitted for your approval by: Tom Posthuma
And if you think that's funny get THIS. Hopefully Glendora doesn't get hold of the idea...Top Fuel would never be the same...
And finally:
Subject: Cuda funny cars If anyone's looking for info on funny car bodies
I have three. me at 541-8037.
Thanx Glenn Collins
On the dig side of things, recent winners of the SIR lottery can be found at The Grapevine. Darned if my name ain't shown up yet. And speaking of Billy, a response came in to him saying below that "We are the only two time winner of the S/Quick series at Mission" Apparently one B. Barling is a prior two time MRP Super Quick champ in 1994 and 1995. Gotcha that time big guy.
Mr Wilson continues to ad more informative updates over on his site, and for even more on recent Pro testing in Arizona check the Summit site.
And the latest feedback includes this:
Larry: Just read Bill's reply to your Futuristic ideas regarding Drag Racing (NORTH WEST). Its hard to believe I could agree so closely to someone that thinks that all criminals and NDPers should be hung. But anyways, some times a change is as good as a rest. Maybe it is time to try racing without electronics. But as far as Comp. Elim........sorry, but I enjoy seeing people run combinations that are not Glides behind BBC's. Seeing a door car run 171 mph with a six.......pure pleasure. The same go's for four banger diggers, etc., etc., But the rest, young Bill, you are right on.
Am in full video mode these days, so see ya soon. LP
Heard 'unofficially' BCCCA voted on their executive recently with, other than a director or two, the same people as last season. The annual MRP racer meeting is Feb 19 at Cloverdale Fairground.
Did get all the confirmed chassis cert. dates from Jerry Valentine today. They are now posted on unofficial Div. 6 page HERE.
And how could I have forgotten to post THIS:
And while we are at it Larry, let's get rid of throttle stops, delay boxes, Comp Eliminator, a few other non spectator pleasing classes and the marathon days at the strip. Throttle stops suck for the fan and they tell you that all the person can do is read some gauges and make a prediction. There are other ways to run the number that don't cause the cars to fall on their faces.....how exciting. We are the only two time winner of the S/Quick series at Mission......and we did it without ever using the stop. Delay boxes are there so you can buy a car that reacts (anyone can buy one) and then delay it.....not much of this is involved with driving skill. Trust me, John is not the quickest guy on the tree and if you have ever looked at our box settings you would know that....zeros dominate. We get the car to react based on his performance on that day not with the box. Takes a little more knowledge in adapting to track/driver conditions than just taking some out of the box. Get rid of some classes....a no brainier. Comp is dying so put it out of its misery cause they ain't gettin any more money...I'll guarantee that. Have the local tracks have qualifying series to cut down on the number of cars at the divisional and national meets. That way the race might be over before everyone has gone home. I don't know how many times I have been asked "who won" by people who were at the race but didn't stay til one in the morning to see who won. Heck...I couldn't answer them because I didn't stay either. I don't know about you, but these things shouldn't take more than 3 or 4 hours. If we can't do that and fill those hours with excitement...................there is no hope and drag racing will always be just a wrench-head's sport. I'm with you Larry.......it has to change. But can/will it?
P.S. I hear the entry at the track is going up $5.00. Man! These track owners are pissing me off so much with their money grabbing that pretty soon I won't be able to afford my Coke, pot, beer and hooker costs! Never mind the cost to run a race car. They should let us run for free..........no, they should pay us! Now where the hell did I put my car? Shit! (snort...puff...chug...ooooo that feels good sweetheart)
I do agree that, from a spectator's view, throttle stops are the worst thing that ever happened to drag racing and I get wood fantasizing of the day they go to the big dumper. Delay boxes too. COMP? I like it, mainly for the variety of cool hot rods. Beats the hell outa Pro Stock if ya ask me. I hear all local tracks are maybe putting up prices this year...Ya those Hooker headers are kinda pricey huh. LP
The Mission Street Legal pages from this past October are now up...and correct. HERE
The 1999 Mission National Open foto coverage is now complete. HERE
The 1999 Horsepower Heaven FotoSpectacular is HERE.
Response to the latest Firing Up and other stuff has been hot and heavy. Here are a few samples:
Nice to see such a major undertaking on the site. BUT, what's with the NHRA fotogs feature? Is there some sneaky little reason here? Like HH access at NHRA events? A little sucking-up? Hey, don't get me wrong, I'll suck up just as well as the next guy, I just know your frustration with the powers that be...Good work on the 2000 page...FU, well, you know how I feel about bigtime dragracing...they get what they deserve Name withheld by LP
Even though I know this person would probably care less if anyone knew he was saying such stuff, but the Digshots piece is more for the memory of Les Lovett than any other reason. Me? Suck up? THAT blatently? I hope not. LP
Hi Larry how are you? Happy New Century. I know you are busy so I'll keep it as short as possible. I think HH is great by the way. I check it every day sometimes more than twice. I wondered if you had any footage of my heap. If you do can you let me know and count me in for the HH drag tape for SURE. I would REALLY appreciate it. I read your Firing Up and you might be right about the pro's but I for one don't like it. I'm not saying I won't go to another Nat but part of the excitement for most people is seeing if they can go faster all the time. Where does it end you might say? When they can't figure out how to go faster, which they must be close to now.(?) Dangerous you say? Thats why they get the big bucks. As for me, I have my car all apart again and I have some major changes in the works. New tubs, 14X 32's, and a major color change. It should run 10.50's this year and I am shooting for a major run at the championship. I also have a Shelby Charger now that I will be starting on soon. It is GOING to be the fastest 4 cylinder TRUE STREET CAR in Canada, possibly North America. All I can tell you is it will be a 2.2L. and it will be in the high 10's. I think you know me well enough to know I wouldn't say that if I wasn't serious. It will be about two years before I'm finished. Well thankyou for your efforts at HH and we'll see you at the digs. Chris Stone
Nice to hear from you again Chris. First, I won't know if I have much of you, but will find out for sure as my editing goes along, so will let you know if I do. The 2.2 deal sounds cool, as for those who don't remember Stone's Omni was a solid 12 second performer a few seasons back. LP
The first $100.00 winner of the Sask. Int. Raceway Calender Lottery is Terry Skulmoski of Prince Albert Sask., ticket number 080. The next $100.00 draw is Friday Jan. 14th. The first $500.00 draw is Saturday Jan. 15th. It is not too late to enter as you still have 65 chances to win so don't delay and get your tickets early. Dave Schaffel
Larry: Hey buddy it's been a long time coming and to sum it up that was a beautiful article to get things fired up and as always you once again have me rolling on the floor with great laughter! But hey what your saying does make very good sense! I back you a 100 % and for the guys whining about pay and a class to run well maybe it's their turn to blow it out their???? anyways wanted to say welcome to the new millenium and may 2000 rock in a Pfister sorta way! keep it up I was starting to get bored on this web thing but hey your back and all is well now see ya soon! Wes Garvin
Happy new year, Larry- Some of the futuristic stuff is a reach, but so was going over 250. and yes, the imports are coming! The imports are coming! Anywho, I enjoyed your read, and hope all is well. Tory Lea
Ah yes, a pair o' good old (Nothing personal Tory) boyz from Div. 6. LP
I agreed with almost everything you wrote in your editorial. I believe that drag racing as we know it today will have to change with the times or it will fail miserably as all of us baby boomers go the way of the dodo bird. My wife and I will be involved with Thunder Mtn. Raceway in Kelowna for the next few years and we will send you as many results and details as my computer illiterate fingers can muster if you want to print them. Please keep up the excellent work on your website, I couldn't get through my week without it.
Rik and Jeanette Christiansen 1967 S/PRO Valiant D681
Right on I would love to get updates from T. Mtn. Anytime! LP
Thanks for the interesting site &comments. Just to add a point about posting results. I don't know of any other organization (loose use of this word) that would have year long racing points series ie. FMDRS FMALLSTARS and not post any data at these races to inform the contestants of the points standings. If you should be so forward as to ask you simply get the familiar blank look accompanied by the answer we don't have that info here. I might add that I have requested such info be posted as well please send me the points standings via the ever popular EMAIL. The results of my request as you may have guessed-----NONE.
Have a great 2000 ss640 nhra Don Thomas
I sat back on purpose and watched this last year thinking that this sort of info would surely be update on a regular basis. Having done this kind of thing in the past I know that once you get a decent system in place, it's not all the difficult to keep up with. Obviously for some people it is. I certainly intend to bug the hell outta 'my people' this year to get any and all points available for Div. 6 on a regular basis. LP
Jimmy is busy putting Little Al's new big block together, the Buick is in many pieces, sponsorships for the coming season are coming far to slowly. I am hoping to do a cam change on the Buick while we freshen it and would love a glide for it and maybe we will add the bottle. Thinking about tossing the delay box and other gadgets. Looking forward to the Sun shine. AhAh still dreaming. Bob Behnke
Hey Larry, Guess what Bog is starting to catch up with the 20th century just in time for the 21st. I finally got one of these computer things. The biggest thing I've noticed is the wear and tear on my one finger whilst trying to type.
Hi I like your web site a ton. I am a big stock eliminator fan and was wondering if you had any video's with stockers on them ' hopefully with Richey Pauley. If you could let me know I would like to purchase. Thanks Bob Smith
While I do not have plans for a 'Stock/Super Stock' video from last year (nor a street legal one as so few responded to my recent posting) the HH 99 tape will include as much as I can fit in. Going into this season I definately invite anyone to tell me they would actually buy a S/SS video, as I would LOVE to do one...IF I get the support. 'Support' means the possibility of selling a minimum 100 tapes. LP
Hi Larry, Hope your new year is going well! Just wanted to drop you a line
and let you know what we have planned for 2000. First, we tentatively have been
granted 8 events for this year which we are of course very pumped about. We
have also just put the final touches on our 2000 rulebook which should prevent
any re-occurence of the confusion we experienced way back in the 1900's. Big
news is the addition of the "SuperQuick Import" class as an experiment for 2000,
get ready for some front wheel drive smoke shows!! Many, many new cars are
threatening to appear at the CPSA events this year, all looking to aquire one
of those very cool "Fastest Street Car" jackets....PS: I seemed to cause a bit
(a bit?) of confusion over how the Pro Street Championship was won in '99. Many
people have determined from my miscommunication that Don Murray had won the
Championship by way of using a "loaner car". While Don indeed did use a car
other than his regular racer one weekend, other competitors had also done the
same thing at other times. Even if everyones "loaner car" points were to be
subtracted, Don would still emerge victorius. I stand corrected, embarassed,
and more learned than before......
Bob Strain, Canadian Pro Street Association
President
Now there's a fresh approach, the president of a race group explaining some confusion...for all to see! I like it! This group is definately on the right track in a number of ways and anything HH can do to help, just ask. LP
Hi Larry, Happy New Year! Great job on the web site! I look forward to reading your updates and seeing the pics. 2000 should be a fantastic year. I am rebuilding the Hairy Canary Willys pickup onced raced by Bert Straiton during the mid-sixties. It's slowly coming together, but, I hope to have it in primer and on the road this summer. Attached is the cab with a new firewall and floor. I'll keep you up to date with new pictures soon once all the sheetmetal is done. Thanks, Dave
That's very cool Dave, we all look forward to more pics. Now it's my turn. here are a couple of original images of the car. I have more too. LP
I happened across a particularly interesting photo today while surfing the latest offerings from the binaries newsgroup. I've enclosed a severely cropped version of same and can't help wondering if the subject wouldn't be quite familar to members of your household. Never having met, it's just a wild guess on my part. Nice hat, though.
The true purpose of my writing is to thank you once again for your efforts with Horsepower Heaven. Simply put, please continue. Quite some time ago, I alluded to my own amateur effort at : http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/3242/index.html If you hadn't received my post of earlier this spring, be aware you have been duly linked. Should this not meet with your approval, I'll remove it. Meantime, the best to you and yours. Greg Nix
Thanks Greg, but I keep telling you people...I'm a photographER, not a photographEE! LP
Hi Larry It's Chris Fryer here again. I was just looking at 70's funny cars website and noticed a 70 Cuda funny car now residing in Surrey. The present owner is Glenn Collins. got any info on this one?
I don't, maybe somebody else does. LP
Hi Larry Here's a copy of a flyer we just put together for Deuce Day. Hope you can use it. Happy New Year. Al Clark
Hi Larry, its Kyle Gryte here......me and my dad are in progress of building me a front motor dragster and I was wondering if you have heard of anybody who has any front wheels and tires for sale?.......preferably solid aluminum ones..........you want a pic of the car???. While its in progress........we hope to have it done by middle to end of may and we have everything except a set of front wheels we can use and a tranny and converter......we got a set of spoked ones for sale if you know of anyone..........16" wire wheel for dragster, new rubber and balance, fits anglia spindle good condition........we are askin $395 obo.........if you could help us that would be much appreciated and merry christmas and a happy new year to you
Send in a pic Kyle! LP
Firing Up 2000 - to be read sitting down.
Digshots - our feature on the photographers of National Dragster.
HH Then - all the 1999 stuff that was on this page from HH3's start in March of 1999. (1995-98 to come) And YES I know many of the former links don't work, gimmea few decades to fix em all. Or better still a few hun$$$ for the new Dreamweaver3 that does it automatically........
Have also updated the older RealVideo files on the HHVideo page.
Tomorrow will see our final update of 1999....hmmm. The 1999 HH FOTOSPECTACULAR.
PLUS a roadtrip saga you that will not only amaze you, but put a major grin or two on your face.
"When the info came up on my email it simply said SIR. I damn near deleated it then and there. What the hell... giving money to Rockstad? Oh, the other SIR. Does this mean I can throw away that H.D. ticket you tricked me into buying early this year? OK, I want to get even, I will take 2 (two) yes two , sounds like a good cause. Do you mind if I pay in cash"
Sender unknown......
Work continues on the overdue whytookay megaupdate. At this time it looks good that by this time tomorrow all the cool stuff will be posted. Here's a small preview:
Fired Up- Local tracks could run slower versions of these cars with smaller engines. Hell take it even one step further and create two tours for the top class, and run it like British soccer. The top ten from the 'B' series graduate to the 'A' class each year with the bottom ten big guys forced down a notch for the following year. Would make running hard in both series mandatory, and would provide the little guy a very fair way to step up. It would also provide sponsors a true method of determining if they were getting a legitimate bang for their buck.
DigShots- The photographers of National Dragster
FotoSpectacular- HERE
and much more!
Like I always say, it will be worth the wait.
To the many, many people waiting for their personalized 99 videos I can now say work will begin no later than this weekend in conjunction with the editing of the HH99 drag tape. You can blame the street people for all this as the Langley Goodtimes Cruise-in video was in constant demand right up until Xmas eve. I again apologize to the waiting masses, and feel bad enuf that every one of you will receive a free gift of that Langley tape when your personalized drag tape is sent out. Speaking of the giant cruise, check out the following dates for the broadcast on the My Classic Car program. I don't have the exact times, but do have the days:
Jan 15/16 on TNN and Feb. 20/26 on Speedvision
As for that drag tape, it will be available at two major venues along with places like MOPAC and Cruisers in Langley. Our regular booth at the Vancouver Motorsport Show March 3-5, and new for this year, the big Show/Swap meet in Red Deer Alberta February 25/26. For more info email QuickTimes publisher Don Mcgowan or call 403-887-7223.
I must admit I was a bad boy this morning and spent three hours sitting back watching the Quicktime 4 live webcast of Steve Jobs keynote speech from Macworld 2000. Three hours of a master presenter at work, utilizing an awesome product. I was constantly thinking of how everything from drag racing sanctioning bodies to tracks, to small series organizers may one day pick up on this form of communication. Then again Mac crazies like me are rare in that something such as this keynote can arouse such passion. While it's hard to imagine a track manager making something as sublime as a new schedule sound exciting, I do believe it could, and should be done. And speaking of Macworld 2000 the rumored intro of a new Powerbook failed to materialize, probably due to screen shortages caused by the Taiwan earthquake, and the 'Rover' live wireless video was less than watchable proving even the best equipment and people in the world can barely make this stuff work. Oh well, only one more week before I get ADSL...and yes hackers my Firewall protection will be a nobrainer, and thanks to a newly released product (you think I'm even gonna say what it is) will not only lock you out, but tell me who has attempted and when a possible hack has happened.
And since I'm on that subject...the November '99 issue of Racing Promotion Monthly carried an awesome article/interview on how the minor league baseball Spokane Indians market their business. The similarities to drag racing were uncanny. In a few short pages were more ways to put fans in the seats than any one thing I have ever read. Some eye-opening stats included 75% of tickets sold to business. Approx. 40% of tickets are charged to credit cards and a whopping 75% were pre-sold, with this quote: "Tickets drive everything. Sponsorship hinges on tickets. Media hinges on tickets, and the one thing we are totally against is discounting tickets." Everything they do is sponsored with the packages going far beyond simple track signage and a few free tickets. I read this thing through three or four times and had to shake my head and wonder why tracks such as Mission and Ashcroft cannot adopt such strategy. I feel strongly that every person even remotely involved with both tracks should get a copy of this and go over it, for as much as schedules, racers, classes, etc are important, with the amount of fans both tracks currently pull in I fear they are both doomed to failure. LP
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